Trooper Mark Donaldson, who defied Taliban bullets

Herald Sun ^ | 17 January 2009 | Ian McPhedran

[Aussie Dasher]

THE bravery of SAS trooper Mark Donaldson, the first Australian awarded the Victoria Cross in 40 years, has been acclaimed by the Prime Minister as "the stuff of Australian legend".

But the man known to mates as "Donno" declared getting the nation's highest military honour in Afghanistan would not change him.

"I don't see myself as a hero, honestly. I still see myself as a soldier first and foremost," Trooper Donaldson said after accepting the VC from Governor-General Quentin Bryce in Canberra yesterday.

"I'm still Mark Donaldson and we'll keep going from day to day and see how we go."

The 29-year-old was awarded the VC for most conspicuous acts of gallantry during a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan last September.

Trooper Donaldson deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire to draw attention to himself and away from wounded soldiers during a battle in Oruzgan Province.

Later, as coalition vehicles moved 4km away from the firefight, a severely wounded coalition force interpreter was inadvertently left behind.

Trooper Donaldson, displaying complete disregard for his own safety, moved alone, on foot, across about 80m of exposed ground to recover the interpreter.

[Aussie Dasher]

Yes, we are VERY proud of our true Aussie hero!!!

[doc1019]

As well you should be. A brave man willing to give his all to save others, a true hero.

[Eighth Square]

Worked with the 22nd in Malaya in the fifties, wonderful times - we thought they were crazy, based at Stepak outside of KL. I believe the Aussies were based near Penang.

Gongrats to Trooper Donaldson, they don't hand those out too often - a hero indeed!

[do the dhue]

The Aussie have always been there for us. I thank God that brave men such as Trooper Mark Donaldson lives.

Thank you Australia for your outstanding contributions!

May God bless Australia, Mark Donaldson, and the rest of the Aussie Troops!

[higgmeister]

Props to the brave digger! Good on ya Mate!

Just out of curiosity, our MOH winners are entitled to be saluted even by flag officers. Do your VC troopers get the same military courtesy?

[higgmeister]

I found it myself in Wikipedia:

There is a widespread erroneous myth that it is statutory for "all ranks to salute a bearer of the Victoria Cross." There is no official requirement that appears in the official Warrant of the VC, nor in Queen's Regulations and Orders but tradition dictates that this occurs and as such the Chiefs of Staff will salute a Private awarded a VC or GC.

[Enchante]

What an awesome MAN......

This brings to mind a favorite song:

Aussie Lass Sings Tribute to the Digger